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CAIRO – In remarks being translated live for broadcasts and Webcasts in every major language, President Barack Obama said Thursday that the United States wants “common ground” and “a new beginning” with the Muslim world, where America’s image plummeted with the Bush administration’s response to the 9/11 attacks.

"Much has been made of the fact that an African-American with the name Barack Hussein Obama could be elected President. But my personal story is not so unique," he said in the Grand Hall of Cairo University. "The dream of opportunity for all people has not come true for everyone in America, but its promise exists for all who come to our shores.”

The 55-minute speech was remarkable and historic not so much for the delivery or even the words, but for the context, the orator, the moment. Obama included blunt talk about the United States, Israel, Iraq, his predecessor and al Qaeda.

“I am aware that some question or justify the events of 9/11,” he said, speaking before a red curtain and six pairs of U.S. and Egyptian flags. “But let us be clear: al Qaeda killed nearly 3,000 people on that day.”

The president, who left the room to applause from an audience carefully chosen to reflect diverse perspectives, invoked the “Holy Koran” twice, and the “Holy Bible” once.

“It’s easier to start wars than to end them” he said. “It’s easier to blame others than to look inward; to see what is different about someone than to find the things we share. But we should choose the right path, not just the easy path. There is one rule that lies at the heart of every religion – that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us. [Applause] This truth transcends nations and peoples.”

Obama got a standing early ovation when he declared: “I consider it part of my responsibility as President of the United States to fight against negative stereotypes of Islam wherever they appear.

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But some audience members gasped when he followed that with: “That same principle must apply to Muslim perceptions of America. Just as Muslims do not fit a crude stereotype, America is not the crude stereotype of a self-interested empire.”

The speech – delivered in Egypt, where the political opposition can be jailed, beaten or outlawed — is a major test of Obama’s ability to translate his appealing rhetoric into real change at what he acknowledged is “a time of tension between the United States and Muslims around the world.”

But conservative former U.S. Ambassador to United Nations John Bolton said he considered that one of several "flawed premises" upon which the speech was built, noting America's longstanding alliance with Saudi Arabia as sign that it's not all tension between the U.S. and Arab allies.

"This is another Obama blame America first moment," Bolton said.

Bolton also criticized Obama for what he called "a very hard line against Israeli settlements."

"When you criticize your strongest ally in an environment like that, it is intended to send a message to that ally," he said.

Liz Cheney, a former State Department official and daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney, said it was a "well-delivered speech" and that Obama's personal story "sends a message about America being a land of opportunity."

Barry, for all his talk (lip service) about energy independence, sure does a great "biaatch dance" for his Saudi patrons. Common ground talk regarding religion is just code for "stop funding Wahabism." However, since the Saudi's listen to no one it's all just political theater and Barry is the main puppet.

Well, they would be a tad confused after yesterday....he started off the day saying that he was reversing his position and would support Sotomayor.....and flipped back before the end of the day.

He did, however, reiterate his desire to see our country fail, because I think he has an unrequited crush on President Obama. Gosh, you'd think all the attention he is getting from Olbermann would be enough......

I am listening to the audio of the Cairo speech and our President is getting the warm and applause filled reception we have come to expect.

TalkingPointsMemo had a post up the other day where they referred to Limbaugh as Khmer Rush.

Well, I was watching some of Maobummer's speech....laffed a bit, then started reading bloggers comments on Little Green Footballs. (*400 post comments start being made around there off the top yesterday article)

Maobummer's funny, dictating how these head-loppers need to behave. lmao

CAIRO – In remarks being translated live for broadcasts and Webcasts in every major language, President Barack Obama said Thursday that the United States wants “common ground” and “a new beginning” with the Muslim world, where America’s image plummeted with the Bush administration’s response to the 9/11 attacks.

No we don't. We don't want any of the stuff you're trying to shove down our throats.

In fact, why don't you stay over there and be "king" like you wish to be over here.

Dramatic and historic speech. You make us proud Mr President. Godspeed. You have a difficult task of reminding the world that the USA isn't in a Holy War with Islam. You will have to demonstrate and do your best to reset the rhetoric. I pray for you and your safety and for our world.

Well, lets face it...in the Arab world they have extremist who undermine progression and civility. Here in the US we have neo-cons and far right wingers. Since the beginning of time you have always had evil to combat good.

Nice speech. But it don't mean diddly to Hezbollah, Iran, Al-Q, Taliban or the millions of other Muslims who want to see Israel and the US destroyed. Do you so-called liberals have any plan for going after jihadists? Or are you all going to stick to the Blame Bush Doctrine?

He spoke about the high aspiration of civility and tolerance while quoting the bible, koran and the toura. What in particular do you think he should have said and what opportunity did he miss? Or are you just complaining?